Asian Games Basketball: Day 2, Preview of India-Afghanistan

Mongolia punched their ticket to the second round by defeating Turkmenistan 90-85 in Men’s Basketball on Sunday, joining the Philippines and North Korea, who advanced with wins on Saturday. India will vie with Afghanistan on Monday at Guangti Gymnasium (19:15 Guangzhou time) for the final spot in round two, Group F.

Turkmenistan had a decided height advantage against Mongolia, whose starting center stood 6’ 4”, and used it to their favor by scoring in the paint and out rebounding the smaller Mongolian team. But Mongolia used a bombs away approach, launching 35 three pointers, connecting on 11 of them. Mongolia jumped from the starting gate to a 16-6 lead. The game’s fast tempo benefited the smaller, quicker Mongolian players. Head coach Odonbataar Bayartsogt said, “We won the game mostly relying on our play in fast pace.” Turkmenistan’s free throw shooting doomed them to defeat, as they missed 24 times in a 5 point loss. Next up for Mongolia is a match up with China in Group E.

Here’s how the Tournament is shaping up so far:

Here is the Start List for Monday’s Game:

Here is the Game’s Key Matchup:

Pictures from the Mongolia – Turkmenistan Game: